State Sen. Leonard Fasano Among Inaugural Inductees into Hamden Hall Country Day School's Athletic Hall of Fame

Hamden Hall Country Day School is pleased to announce that state Sen. Leonard Fasano, R-34, is among the premier inductees into the school’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Fasano, a North Haven resident, graduated from Hamden Hall in 1977 and is a past parent and former trustee.  He is the president and founder of Fasano, Ippolito and Lee L.L.C. in New Haven, where he represents clients in southern Connecticut primarily on land transactions and zoning matters.

Inductees also include New Haven Legal Assistance deputy director Alexis Highsmith Smith, local attorney Alphonse Ippolito, author and media personality Chris Kuselias, former Hamden Hall basketball coach David Beckerman and the 1962-’63 basketball team.

All will be honored for their contributions both on the field and in the community at the Athletic Hall of Fame induction dinner April 12, 2014.

“This inaugural class truly reflects the values and standards of excellence representative of a Hamden Hall education,” said Head of School Bob Izzo.  “The four individuals were stellar students and athletes, coach
Beckerman and his basketball program are legendary, and the 1963 basketball team established a legacy for our entire athletic program.”

Fasano, who has served in the state Senate since January 2003 is the current Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore, earned his bachelor of science degree at Yale University in 1981.  He went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac Law School in 1984 and graduated from Boston University Law School a year later with an L.L.M. degree in taxation.While at Yale, Fasano played running back for the Yale Varsity Football program under legendary coach Carmen Cozza.  At Hamden Hall, Fasano served as co-captain of the Varsity football team in his senior year and played Varsity basketball.

“Playing football at Hamden Hall was a dream come true for me as a teenage boy, and the experience taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership and being part of something bigger than myself.  I am deeply grateful to be inducted into the new Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Fasano, whose son, Robert, also played football for the Hamden Hall Hornets. “Hamden Hall has meant so much to me and my family.  Every member of the faculty and athletic department contribute to a nurturing and caring environment that instills a sense of purpose, hard work and social responsibility in each and every student.”

The Hamden Hall Athletic Hall of Fame acknowledges exceptional scholar-athletes, coaches, teams and supporters of the school’s athletic program who have made contributions both on the playing field and in the community.  The inductees exemplify the school’s high athletic standards, and they are being honored for their legacy of hard work and commitment, dedication to teamwork and impact on the school’s tradition of athletics.